The objective of this study is to assess the impact of bladder catheterization on the incidence of postoperative urinary tract infection (UTI) and urinary retention (PUR) following laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH). One hundred fifty patients undergoing LAVH were randomly assigned to no catheter use, 1-day, and 2-day catheter groups. The relationship between preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors and the rates of UTI and PUR were determined. The incidences of UTI and PUR were 9.3% and 18.7%, respectively. The highest rate of UTI occurred in the 2-day catheter group; the highest rate of PUR occurred in no-catheter-use group. Multivariable logistical regression showed the duration of catheterization was the single predictor of UTI; duration of catheterization and diabetes mellitus were predictors for PUR. While short-term indwelling catheterization resulted in decreased rate of PUR, UTI rate increased among patients undergoing LAVH. Nonetheless, most patients resumed normal urination shortly after surgery.